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by Teri Vance, Appeal Staff Writer

One of 15-year-old Edwin Bruno's best buddies is 32-year-old Solomon Feinberg.

Despite their difference in age, the two embark on adventures together, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

"It's fun," Bruno said. "It's better than sitting at home doing nothing."

Bruno and Feinberg are one of 20 pairs matched through the Mentor Center of Western Nevada, which is celebrating National Mentor Month.

"This is a very important program for all of us in the community," said Marybel Batjer, the governor's chief of staff. "Making a major difference in children's lives is a gift you're giving."

Batjer congratulated mentors for their service during a tour of the Governor's Mansion last week as part of the month-long celebration.

Feinberg has been a mentor for less than a year but has already taken Bruno on several outdoor trips and has more planned for the future.

"I figure he'll enjoy what I enjoy," Feinberg said. "It's just good to have someone who's present in his life and interested in him."

But he admits it's not all selfless.

"It's very altruistic and very good for society but I do it because I enjoy it," Feinberg said.

Bruno also enjoys it -- mostly.

"He (Feinberg) listens to old-people stuff, like rock from the '80s or something," he said. "I like rap."

The mentor center began operation in Carson City in 2000. Ruth Gordon took over as director of the center in April.

It's going really well," she said. "People are really starting to use us. Word of mouth works fantastic in this community."

Jo Kilpatrick raised her daughter, Angela Bullentini, 24, and wanted to continue to work with youth.

She was matched with Heather Soest, 17, who has a 1-year-old son, Dawson.

"She helps me with my son," Heather said. "She helps me get away from him when I need to. It's real nice."

Kilpatrick also helps Soest's sister Melissa, 20, who has a 2-year-old daughter, Ashley.

"I like it," Melissa said. "I get out of the house and have fun and I can take my daughter with me."

Kilpatrick said she expected the task of mentoring to be easier but has since discovered change is more difficult to make.

"It's more challenging that I thought it would be in really influencing them to make changes in their lives," she said. "You can't really change their lives -- they have to do it. I can only hope to be a good example."

Tina Beasley, 9, is being raised by her single father. She and her mentor, 21-year-old Sara Sura, hang out and do "girl stuff."

"I'm goofy and I make her laugh. I like that," Beasley said. "She's a good mentor."

Mentors are chosen through an interview process and their charges are recommended by teachers, counselors or other child-service agencies.

For your information

To become a mentor or for more information call Ruth Gordon at 445-3346.